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Waupaca Historical Society
Waupaca Historical Society
321 S. Main St., Waupaca, WI 54981

About Us

The Waupaca Historical Society, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, was formed in 1953 to preserve the history of the Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes area. The Waupaca Historical Society owns and operates four buildings: the Holly History and Genealogy Center located in the former library at 321 S. Main St.; the Hutchinson House Museum and the King Cottage, both located in South Park; and the Waupaca Railroad Depot at 525 Oak Street.

New members and volunteers are always welcome! Contact Tracy Behrendt, Director, at (715) 256-9980 or director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.


The mission of the Waupaca Historical Society is to preserve, advance and disseminate knowledge of the history of the Waupaca area.


WHS Board of Directors (Board meets the second Thursday of every month at 5:15 p.m. at the Holly Center):

Ashlie Buck, President

Mike Kirk, Vice President

Ryan Drazkowski, Treasurer

Jeff Jenswold, Secretary


Tanya Gauer

Emily Glenn

Jeff Jenswold

Dennis Lear

Kent Pegorsch
Betty Stewart

Jeff Weasner

Nancy Weasner

Marge Writt

Eric Halverson (City Council Representative)


Staff: Tracy Behrendt, Executive Director

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Thank you for donating to the Waupaca Historical Society and helping us preserve Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history!

Interested in receiving the latest news from the Waupaca Historical Society? Subscribe with your email address below!

Come visit us year-round at the Holly Center at 321 S. Main Street during our open hours on

Wednesday through Friday, 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

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What's Happening at the Waupaca Historical Society


  • ON SALE NOW: 2025 Yuletide Trail cookie tins ($25 each) on sale at the Holly Center, Community First Credit Union, Northern Home and Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Thursday, November 27-Friday, November 28: Holly Center CLOSED
  • Saturday, December 13 & 14, 12-5 pm: DEPOT OPEN
  • Saturday, December 20 & 21, 12-5 pm: DEPOT OPEN
  • Holly Center CLOSED from December 24 through January 2
  • 2026: Holly Center now open until 4 pm on Fridays and the second Saturday of each month, 11:30 am to 2 pm

Looking for other events taking place in Waupaca? Check out the Waupaca Chain O'Lakes Community Calendar here!
Check us out on Facebook!

Appointments outside of open hours at any WHS buildings can be made at least two weeks in advance by calling the Holly History and Genealogy Center at (715) 256-9980 or emailing 

Tracy Behrendt at 

director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.